Trip Report - Hua Hin/Cha-Am
 

Just thought I'd fill everyone in on Hua Hin. I just got back from there this evening and am currently in Bangkok. I went down there for four nights and stayed 2 nights at the Veranda Resort & Spa and 2 nights at the Sofitel.

These 2 resorts are very different in styles as the Veranda was designed by the same architects that designed the Evason Hua Hin (actually in Pranburi). Veranda is the "new" style of resort you see cropping up in Thailand with sort of a minimalist style - lots of painted/glazed concrete walls and flooring, simple furnishings, and large bathrooms. The room also had a similar "feel" to Aleenta, also in Pranburi. We had a third floor sea-view room that was very nice and well laid out. The view was great as the beach at Veranda was surprisingly very nice. They also have a large pool and well maintained grounds. The Resort is only about 1 year old and you can find some pretty good deals for it on sites like asiarooms and direct-rooms. We had to book through the hotel since the jazz festival was going on and all the hotels were filling up fast and not discounting their rooms too much. We also ate at the Veranda for one dinner and it was quite good - we especially liked the som-tom and lad-na talay. The main drawbacks to the Veranda are the location, service (at times), and breakfast. You must have a car if you want to get to Hua Hin as it is about a 15 minute drive to downtown. There isn't much at all around the Resort and Cha-Am is not the same as Hua Hin as many have pointed out on this forum. The service at the Resort is okay, but when nearly full it is definitely stressed. I felt that it didn't have the same efficiency and professionalism as the Sofitel although the rates were nearly the same. Finally the breakfast buffet is a bit hit-n-miss. Some good items, some not so good. But overall, I would say our stay at the Veranda was pleasant and would likely go back there again especially if we could get some of the rates quoted on the web.

The Sofitel was very different than Veranda as it is a colonial-style grand Resort with a rich history and LOTS of activities and great location. Our room there was very nice also, but smaller than the Veranda with a combo tub/shower and (original, I think?) wood floors with lots of character. I would say that some of the furniture (desk, TV chest) in our room was nearing the end of its lifespan but the bathroom, wardrobe and rooms were still in great shape after a remodeling done about 2 years ago. We were there last night for the jazz and it was great to be that convenient to the main stage as it is located right on the beach outside of Sofitel. However, unless you can tolerate big crowds and a completely packed hotel, don't venture down to the Sofitel during the Jazz Festival! We ate one night at Salathai, the Thai restaurant at the Sofitel and it was also good. The other nights we ate at Chom-talay, a beachside restaurant just north of the Hua Hin airport. Great seafood there.

We also checked out a room at the Veranda Lodge on Hua Hin Beach. This is an 8-month old hotel that has a nice beach and a 20 year old restaurant which is suppose to be very good. The rooms are small and basic, but nice and clean. The only drawbacks we felt were the price as we were quoted a rate barely below the Veranda and Sofitel and also the hotel is not on the beach. The seaview rooms there are also NOT seaview as you have to look real hard through many trees to actually see the Gulf of Thailand.

In closing, many thanks to those of you who recommended Eddie (i.e. Aniwat) at seatours. We have an upcoming trip to Singapore and he has been great for getting us airline tickets. A very nice guy who knows his stuff! Also, thanks to JamesA for many informative posts on the Hua Hin area. This was my 5th trip there and I am still learning new things about the area from all of you. Thanks again - hopefully I'll post more soon - depending on my internet accessibility in Bangkok.

My Mother and Father have been to the Sofitel Central in Hua Hin twice, is that the same as the Sofitel you mentioned or are there 2 different Sofitel hotels ? The one they stayed at is very old fashioned in style but they loved the service. I went to Pattaya with friends but have not thought about Huahin. We like places that are not too busy and love Thai Seafood. If I ask my Mother I will have to sit through all the photgraph albums again.

eddie is great and has gotten me great rates...average rates in thailand but great rates around asia, like bali and vietnam

his address is: [email protected]

Yes, the Sofitel I talk about at Hua Hin is the Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort and is the only Sofitel in Hua Hin.

Thank you. I believe Huahin is not as busy as Pattaya so would you know the differences.

Hua Hin is considerably quieter than Pattaya, which I also prefer. The only area near Pattaya I can stand is Koh Samet, it is quiet there as well (but really quiet).

I like Hua Hin because it still has a nice "quaintness" to it with the night market and narrow streets full of shops and restaurants. It just doesn't feel as "red-light" as Pattaya, if you know what I mean, but also isn't completely asleep either.

Thank you again. How much was the place you stayed in if I can worry you again or anyone else who knows some price, nothing fancy or expensive but something small and friendly for a small group mid 20's. Perhaps a nice B & B if there are any there. We had great success in Australia at B & B lodgings. We really are not that keen on hotels.

mlb, first time I have missed the Hua Hin jazz festival since it started! Was that the Veranda Cha Am or the Hua hin one, amazing both the same name but I think they are quite different. You know people actually drive from bangkok to Hua Hin for a meal! The seafood is pretty good to say the least! Did you manage La mer?

We unfortunately missed LaMer because one evening it rained around dinner time and another we got caught hungry driving near Pranburi! Hopefully we'll get back and try it on our next trip.

The Veranda we stayed was the one nearer Cha-Am, but we looked at the other one as well.

For those who drive to Hua Hin to eat dinner - best of luck. That drive from Bangkok stresses me out with all the trucks and reckless driving! I would arrive in no shape to eat if I did that...maybe a stiff drink.

Concerning prices, both the Veranda Resort & Spa and Sofitel are quite a bit more than other locations. However, prices have dropped at both with rooms at the Veranda Resort & Spa (Cha-Am) falling to around 3k baht or less on some websites (try asiarooms or directrooms). You may also be able to get a Thai rate assuming you are thai or speak thai by calling the hotel directly.

Just wondered about which Veranda it was, I have been a regular to Hua hin for years and years, I should have said that it is mosty Bangkok residents who head down at weekends but in fairness they 'do' stay overnight! years back we started off with the majors and then started staying at Chom View Holiday Apartments but on a B 1,500 budget with family we stick now with the Ocean Breeze ( when we can get a room ). I always book thru the local Hua Hin people I have used for years. There's a Sheraton opening in the new year. Still under pressure from family to move down there !! Must take another trip....